Here’s some stray thoughts from the 13-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts in the Jets first game of the 2014 preseason.

Geno back in action — Smith (4-for-6, 33 yards) looked smooth, but not flashy, in his first action since Week 17 of the 2013 season. While the quarterback might not have come away from the game with a touchdown, he did connect with Eric Decker twice and had a third wiped out because of a false start on David Nelson. Smith also had a spot-on throw to Jeff Cumberland and scrambled for 10 yards to the left side on a read-option fake-handoff, demonstrating the trouble that Geno’s and Chris Johnson’s legs in the backfield can cause for opposing defenses if the OLB comes crashing down in an attempt to stuff the run. Although there was one ill-advised throw to FB Tommy Bohanon, Smith didn’t turn the ball over which must make Rex Ryan very pleased.

Vick the quick — Mike Vick seems to be demonstrating why the Jets brought him in and what he could offer the team should the need arise. Vick completed two clutch passes on a third and a fourth down. Vick had a Falcons-esque run on a third and long for 15 yards in which he set up a defender (DT Jeris Pendleton), planted his foot and cut up field for a first down. Vick only saw one series with the first team offensive line, but he was able to use his arms and legs well to move the ball down the field. Overall, Vick made operating within the Marty Mornhinweg offense look natural, able to find the open man and find his early reads easily. If there are any concerns, it is that Vick was not able to move the ball with the second team in a two-minute drill and that he needs to get the ball out of his hand a little more quickly.

A run on the runners — We know that some are holding their breath about the Jets injuries to the running backs already just one game into the preseason. Chris Ivory suffered a rib injury and did not return to the game. Bilal Powell didn’t play due to a hamstring injury. Chris Johnson didn’t look to be in midseason form, after offseason surgery and stem-cell treatment in his knee. Look for the Jets to try and keep their running backs in the shop as much as possible during August, but one preseason game does not a running attack made (or break). Expect some of the kinks to get worked out, but also watch closely how much rust Johnson can knock off in the coming weeks.

Less of whatever that was, please — We’ve heard rumblings about whether or not the team has taken a dim view on CB Dimitri Patterson and the Colts game didn’t do anything to tamp down that story. Patterson had a tough day at the office, regularly giving up too much space to his opponent. Rex seemed content to let him suffer by keeping Patterson in the game well past the point where most first teamers had come off the field. Most notably, Patterson gave up a 45-yard Hasselbeck pass in coverage of Da’Rick Rogers and was flagged for holding in the second half. Meanwhile, Dee Milliner acquitted himself well, staying in position against a tough passing attack and breaking up two passes. His most memorable play of the game was PBU in the end zone from Matt Hasselbeck to Donte Moncrief.

Quick hits

Lucky 51! Jets kickers Nick Folk nailed two 51 yarders as did camp backup Andrew Furney from the same distance.

Rookie WR Jalen Saunders seems set as the team’s top punt returner, fielding two punts for a combined 11 yards.

D-lineman TJ Barnes had a great play to notch one of the Jets three sacks on the night. The other came when Andrew Luck missed a shotgun snap (Harris) and in the final minutes of the game (Enemkpali)

S Rontez Miles saw some limited time with a starters (sub-package?) during the game. It is clear that Ryan really likes the cut of his jib, even if just as a special teamer.

Without those Penaltys the jets drive, then Vick comes in and they drive. So I'm not dissappointed . If they come out and do the same next week then yeah. But I thought it was a product first game. Plus these guys got a couple of series. If this was a full game for the starters they are gonna have bad series lol so we shouldn't judge so harshly

Bad game for Patterson,looked too slow playing press got beat out of the break . Colon looked bad a step slow. Geno concerns me he looks to be in the same place as last year before the last four games. Otherwise I liked the rest of what went on you could see the talent and speed. Mcdougle looked really solid hope to see him opposite Miliner soon. Vick still has some serious speed. Johnson will definitely be the guy he understands running with angles something Ivory should pay attention to..

but lets be honest .....IT WAS STILL GREAT TO HAVE OUR JETS BACK ON THE FIELD.....plenty to work on but you can see potential in the offense... Decker solid, Hill not terrible......ivory and johnson will be fine , and throw Powell in there...also think the Line will be better with year 2 for Winters....and my boy BIG WILLIE throwing dudes around...even pushing his own teammates...love that guy...lets roll

It was only a few blink-and-you-miss-it moments in the 2nd half, but I thought in addtion to the final strip sack, Enemkpali looked good. He made a real solid hit on a late kickoff return, and seemed to be in the mix a bit. Also thought Finau had a good game.

Not sure either makes the final 53, but maybe practice squad material?

Patterson looked like crap........hoping Dex McDoug, and Walls start getting more run at CB2....or hopefully this a wake up call to Patterson.......i certainly hope hes better than this...

on a positive note i thought Milliner looked good....Pace look good, Harris and Davis both looked solid , not so much against the crossing routes though..........Amaro had a couple of catches where you can atleast see some potential...otherwise it seems we made it through the game healthy...thats all you can ask for

It's like you watched a different game sitting in the stands than is reported by the Jets media guys. Becoming more apparent than ever that those guys need to stir the pot to get noticed. That said, it looked to me that the Jets made a real effort to showcase some of the new talent also to wet the fans' appetites. They got the ball to Decker right away, let Johnson run, threw to Amaro, etc.

My take-aways (the sitting in the stands view);

1. Team overall looks younger and faster.

2. Geno was spot on. He could have led the team to a TD if Nelson doesn't called for a penalty after he found Decker open downfield on a big 3rd down against the first team D of Indy. Even though called back and ignored, that was his best throw of the night and he hung in the pocket like a pro.

3. Surprised to see all the positive press on Vick. He looked old. Yeah, he ran a couple good plays but he got up after them huffing and puffing. Only winded Jet I saw the whole night. His "key" third down pass to Bohannon was a reult of marty's play calling leaving Bo wide open on a five yard toss. C'mon man. And Vick got second stringers. Not at all sold on Vick. Looked to me like he bailed on passing plays too soon which is his history.

4. Fans did applaud Vick when he came in and then rooted for him. Not a single negative thing.

5. Decker looked great. Clear to me they wanted to get him looks early.

6. Johnson looked like the guy who played last year for the Ttians, not some reincarnation of a younger Chris. No surprise, just a reality check. Looks like they may try him on short passes, screens and hots.

7. Winters seemed to play well. Pressure on Geno and Vick seemed to come from outside. OL still a concern for me.

8. Drop in talent from first to second string very apparent - - - we must stay healthy.

9. Best player on defense was Harris. Can't understand why people continue to say he's done. he was beastly.

10. Calvin Pace looked good too.

11. DL looked ordinary. They need to stop reading their press and get down to business.

12. Milliner looked great. Picked up where he left off last year. He will be a star.

13. Patterson looked out of sorts and out of place. Like he's not comfortable (yet?) in the new defensive scheme. He constantly was looking for someone to tell him where to line up and who to cover. If you told me they signed him yesterday i would have believed it.

14. Ouch. Worst looking guy on D was smurf man Kyle Wilson missing tackles and coverage. I got a feeling he doesn't make it out of camp. A real shame.

15. McDougle looked really good to me but green. Would not at all be surprised to see him start by mid-season.

16. Addition of Pryor will likely make whole back end look better.

17. TJ Barnes is a beast. Had to look at the program to see he's listed at like 6'7'' and 350. Looks like a man among boys on the field.

18. Though he didn't do anything, mere presence of Jacoby on special teams made you feel like we've made a vast improvement over last year. Saunders looked like a shrimp.

19. Folk hero isn't going anywhere.

Anyway, that's my list of take-aways. They will work Powell and Kearley into the offense next game. Pryor will take the D up a notch.

What specifically did Geno do to make you think he looked like early Geno from last year? In his short duty he had 66% completion, no interceptions, and drove the team into scoring territory. He was hampered by penalties. So please tell me what he did to draw this criticism?

Some people will never be happy with X player. It's preseason. All anyone should be concerned with is turnovers and the chemistry between X player and his teammates. They're not using the whole playbook for these games, just getting timing and routes correct..